Asa music legend with a career spanning more than 50 years, Van Morrison hasearned the right to do whatever he damn well pleases. And he's using thatartistic clout to release a succession of albums -- four in 14 months."The Prophet Speaks" is the latest addition to his growingcatalog.
Like"You're Driving Me Crazy," which came out last April, Morrison, onceagain, works with jazz organist/trumpeter Joey DeFrancesco and his band on thismix of R&B, blues and jazz standards along with six originals. Morrison andcompany don't mimic the inspiring moments of his musical education. Instead,the main intent on the album's 14 tracks is to make sure each number swings,which is what you get on a cover of Eddie "Mr. Cleanhead" Vinson's"Gonna Send You Back to Where I Got You From," Willie Dixon’s “I Lovethe Life I Live” and why his version of “Worried Blues/Rollin’ and Tumblin’sounds more attuned for a set at Ronnie Scott’s rather than a Chicago club. Acover of John Lee Hooker's "Dimples" ignores its juke joint roots andCooke's "Laughin and Clownin’’" revises the original's slow burn infavor of a groove that settles well into Morrison's wheelhouse.
Itturns out that's just a warm up for the album's standout, the Morrison-penned"Got to Go Where the Love Is." It's the most loose-limbed track onthe album, and sounds as if Van and his backup band are having a grand timeplaying it. Another original, "5AM Greenwich Mean Time," revels inits late night club ambiance.
Likehis other recent albums, much of “The Prophet Speaks” focuses on pastfavorites. While he does a fine job adapting the material to his style, it'sMorrison’s compositions that are noteworthy. A reminder of this comes at thevery end. The combination of blues and laidback jazz found on “Spirit WillProvide” and the title track are reminiscent of his most memorable self-assuredwork. Both bode well for the future.
